May 10th Reedville to Solomons Island

The waitress last night told us about the "save the stack" campaign and how this smokestack in Reedville is their Washington Monument.  It was leaning and bricks had been blown off by lightening but it has now been restored.  So, here is the famous Reedville stack that we cruised by this morning.

Today was a tricky sailing day.  We needed to get Northwest to Solomons Island from Reedville and the wind was very strong directly from the Northwest.  The wind really cranked up as we crossed the mouth of the Potomac.  Steady 25 knots gusting stronger and 3-4 foot waves.  I had been a bit concerned about the mouth of the Potomac so we cured that by crossing it 3 times today as we tried to work our way North and West. 

It was really wild sailing.  Serenity did very well.  We rolled the sails a bit and she really took the waves well.  The Steve and Fast Steve both had a great time in the high wind conditions although they show it differently.

It took 12 hours and we traveled many more than the 40 nautical miles that was the direct course but we made it into Solomons Island.  Staying at Zahniser's again.  Great marina.  Went out with some of Fast Steve's friends from when he lived in Solomons.  Had a great time and a really nice dinner.  Tomorrow - back to Deale but it looks like it will be another day of pushing into the wind.